In the western suburbs of Lingjin City, at the foot of the picturesque She Mountain, sat the Zou Family. They were ranked first among the eight major local families and were poised to become the fifth great superfamily.

Despite the bitter cold of deep winter, there was not a hint of desolation here. Instead, it was brimming with greenery, a scene of vibrant life. Black walls enclosed a location with the finest feng shui. Within these walls lay a series of quaint courtyards that gave the impression of a royal mansion from a century ago. Grand and imposing, yet the details revealed extravagant luxury.

Inside the courtyard, just outside the special care ward, Zou Jintao stood with his hands behind his back. His face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water. "The doctor just said Wendong's qi and blood are stagnant and the injury has damaged his very foundation," he said coldly. "Even if he eventually recovers, he'll never be as vigorous as he was before."

"That piece of trash... he's crippled my son!"

A group of core Zou Family members stood around them, their faces grim and radiating murderous intent. For so many years, it had always been the Zou Family bullying others. Even the four great superfamilies had to give them some face. And now…

The dignified Second Young Master of the Zou Family had been crippled by someone!

Not only that, but the incident had also thrust the Zou Family into the eye of the storm, with countless people cursing them behind their backs.

Heh... What a damn piece of trash, trampling on the dignity of the entire Zou Family.

Zou Qingyue said in a deep voice, "I'll have De go to the Qin Corporation right now and capture this damned trash! Anyone who dares to oppose my Zou Family will pay a heavy price!"

"De?" Zou Jintao was taken aback. "Isn't that using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?"

De, full name Chu Yingde, was a Guest Elder the Zou Family had hired for a hefty price. His strength was at the peak of the ninth rank, just a single step away from the tenth. With such power, he was practically unmatched in Lingjin City. Chu Yingde was the guardian deity of the entire Zou Family.

Zou Qingyue spoke with a sinister tone, "This piece of trash forced my brother to kneel, pressured those businessmen last night into making a public apology, and then vanished without a trace."

"All these signs indicate that this guy, who appears to be nothing but a waste, actually has some tricks up his sleeve!"

Zou Qingyue narrowed her eyes and sneered. "I don't care if he's a tiger pretending to be a pig or an actual pig. We will eliminate him with the most ruthless methods!"

"Mm, you're right. Do as you say," Zou Jintao nodded, delivering the final verdict. "Go now. Have De capture him alive. I'll make him wish for death but be unable to find it!"

"Yes!"

Just as Zou Qingyue acknowledged the order and turned to contact Chu Yingde, an old butler approached them.

"Master, Miss, two young men have arrived in the front courtyard. They say they wish to see the person in charge of the Zou Family," the old butler reported.

Hmm?

Zou Jintao frowned and asked Zou Qingyue, "Qingyue, were you expecting someone?"

"No!" Zou Qingyue shook her head, then turned to the old butler. "Fu, what are their names?"

"One of them said his name is Chen Yang."

Zou Qingyue was left speechless.

So was Zou Jintao.

The father-daughter pair exchanged glances, seeing both astonishment and a blaze of fury erupt in each other's eyes.

What boundless arrogance. The fool is courting death!

After injuring Zou Wendong, instead of holing up somewhere, he had actually taken the initiative to come to the Zou Family?

"The one who hurt Wendong, is his name Chen Yang?" a middle-aged man nearby inquired.

"That's him!" Zou Qingyue bared her teeth in a grin and continued asking, "Fu, did he say why he's here?"

"He said he wants to demand an explanation from the person in charge of the Zou Family," the butler answered truthfully.

"Heh..." Zou Qingyue laughed coldly. She had to admit, she had never seen anyone so ignorant of their own impending doom.

"What an arrogant piece of trash! Not only does he refuse to admit his mistake, but he's also come demanding an explanation?"

"We'll make sure he never leaves today!"

The other core members of the Zou Family were filled with rage, sneering at the audacity. Since when had the mighty Zou Family been a target for anyone to bully? Could it be that the family had been too low-key lately, making people think they were a soft touch?

"Notify Chu Yingde to head to the front courtyard immediately!" Zou Jintao swept his sleeve in anger. "Daring to come knocking on the Zou Family's door? I'd like to see just how capable you really are!"

"This is good too, Father. It saves us a trip," Zou Qingyue said with a smile. "Let's go. We can all go and have a look."

「Front Courtyard.」

In a small square, Chen Yang sat at a tea table, holding a teacup and leisurely sipping his tea.

Yang Hu stood behind him, also holding a cup. He smacked his lips. "Boss, these rich families are really on another level. Look at this courtyard, these pavilions, and this tea... they really know how to live."

"Mere smoke and clouds," Chen Yang said, completely unconcerned.

Yang Hu sighed. "You're right. All of this is just the embodiment of vanity. Not like you, Boss. You've used all your money to build orphanages! But then, there are very few people in this world like you who can see through all these illusions."

"Since when did you learn how to flatter?" Chen Yang shot him an annoyed glance.

Yang Hu chuckled. "What do you mean, flattering? It's the truth!"

"It's been a while since I went to the orphanage to see that little girl, Shanshan." At the mention of her, Chen Yang couldn't help but think of the child. He then smiled. "After we handle things here, come with me to see her."

As he spoke, Chen Yang slowly lifted his gaze.

A group of Zou Family members, led by Zou Jintao and Zou Qingyue, was striding toward them. Their presence was overwhelming, their killing intent palpable.

"Well now, what an imposing entrance!" Yang Hu chuckled.

Chen Yang didn't say a word, still holding his cup and enjoying his tea.

"You little bastard, you've got some nerve!" A middle-aged man was the first to speak, stepping forward and pointing at Chen Yang fiercely. "You injured the Zou Family's Young Master and you still dare to show up at our door? Do you really think the Zou Family is a pushover?"

"Are you the one in charge of the Zou Family?" Yang Hu asked.

"Hmph!" The man snorted coldly. "I am not."

Yang Hu glared. "If not, then what are you yapping about for? Scram!"

The middle-aged man was rendered speechless.

So were the other members of the Zou Family.

Isn't this a bit too arrogant? This is the Zou Family's estate!

"You, you..." The middle-aged man's face turned red with anger.

Yang Hu cut him off directly. "Enough of your nonsense! Who's in charge here? Step forward!"

"How arrogant!" Zou Jintao stepped out. He cast a cold glance at Yang Hu before his eyes locked onto Chen Yang. "I am the Zou Family Head, Zou Jintao!"

"The tea is good." Chen Yang put down his cup and said calmly, "Were you the one who arranged for those businessmen to slander Li Si last night?"

"That's right!" Zou Jintao readily admitted with a sneer. "I was planning to go to the Qin Corporation to grab you. Since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, don't even think about leaving!"

"Let's not talk about that for now." Chen Yang clasped his hands together, his tone still unruffled. "I assume you all understand the full course of events from yesterday, correct?"

At this, all the Zou Family members seethed with rage.

What is he implying? This is the Zou Family's home, yet he's acting like he's the one in charge!

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